The Best Places to Go Snorkeling in Bora Bora

Bora Bora offers world-class snorkeling destinations that'll take your breath away. You can immerse in the pristine Natural Aquarium behind Sofitel Private Island, teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles. Matas Beach, in front of The Westin, boasts exceptional visibility and diverse marine life. For an exhilarating adventure, join a guided tour to Bora Bora Pass, where currents bring an abundance of marine species. Don't miss the vibrant Motu Tane Coral Garden, a kaleidoscope of underwater beauty. Luxury resort lagoons provide tranquil, clear waters perfect for beginners. These top spots are just the beginning of your Bora Bora snorkeling expedition.
Natural Aquarium
A natural aquarium awaits snorkelers behind the Sofitel Private Island in Bora Bora. This spectacular site offers an underwater paradise teeming with tropical fish, vibrant corals, and graceful sea turtles. You'll be amazed by the crystal-clear water that allows you to marvel at the beauty of the coral reef right from the beach.
As you plunge into this underwater wonderland, you'll uncover an explosion of colors reflected from the diverse coral garden. Swim past myriads of tropical fish in this living aquarium, where every turn reveals new and exciting marine life. The natural aquarium is an ideal destination for snorkeling enthusiasts looking to investigate a pristine underwater ecosystem. Bora Bora's tropical paradise with calm shallow seas provides the perfect setting for this snorkeling expedition.
You don't need to venture far to experience this aquatic spectacle. The interior lagoons of luxury resorts like Sofitel Private Island provide a little corner of paradise for snorkelers. Here, you'll find multitudes of tropical fish, colorful corals, and even graceful stingrays gliding through the water. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, this natural aquarium offers an unforgettable expedition in Bora Bora's crystal-clear waters.
Matas Beach
Matas Beach, nestled in front of The Westin Bora Bora, offers an exceptional snorkeling experience you won't want to miss. This pristine location boasts crystal clear waters that provide incredible visibility, making it an ideal spot for underwater exploration and photography. Proper swimming skills are essential for snorkeling, as they allow you to conserve energy and fully enjoy the experience.
As you plunge into the vibrant marine environment, you'll be greeted by a diverse array of tropical fish and colorful coral formations. The abundance of marine life at Matas Beach creates a natural aquarium, allowing you to immerse yourself in Bora Bora's underwater world. You'll have the opportunity to uncover and observe various species up close, creating unforgettable memories of your island adventure. Practicing with fins can help build the necessary muscle strength and endurance for an enjoyable snorkeling session.
Snorkeling enthusiasts will find Matas Beach particularly appealing, as it's considered one of the best locations for this activity on the island. The calm waters and excellent visibility make it suitable for both beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. Don't forget to bring your underwater camera to capture stunning photos of the marine life you'll encounter.
Bora Bora Pass

For those seeking a more adventurous snorkeling experience, the Bora Bora Pass beckons with its thrilling currents and diverse marine life. This underwater wonderland offers an awe-inspiring site for skilled swimmers who can navigate the strong currents. You'll need to join a guided boat tour to probe this natural aquarium safely.
As you submerge into the crystal-clear waters of the Bora Bora Pass, you'll be greeted by an abundance of marine life. Here's what you can expect to see:
- Schools of vibrant tropical fish
- Graceful rays gliding through the water
- Sea turtles swimming alongside you
- A rich variety of coral formations
- Other diverse marine creatures in their natural habitat
The powerful currents make this snorkeling destination both challenging and rewarding. You'll feel the thrill of the ocean's might as you immerse yourself in this underwater paradise. It's crucial to listen to your local expert guide, who'll guarantee your safety while helping you make the most of this exciting experience.
The Bora Bora Pass is not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare to investigate it, it offers an unforgettable snorkeling adventure amidst the powerful ocean currents and abundant marine life.
Motu Tane Coral Garden
Plunge into a kaleidoscope of colors at the Motu Tane Coral Garden, where nature's underwater artistry takes center stage. This breathtaking snorkeling site in Bora Bora offers an explosion of vibrant coral formations that will captivate your senses. As you swim through this underwater paradise, you'll be surrounded by myriads of tropical fish darting in and out of the stunning coral structures.
The Motu Tane Coral Garden is a must-visit destination for snorkeling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Bora Bora's underwater world. As you explore the garden, you'll discover an awe-inspiring ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life and colorful corals.
This underwater wonderland allows you to experience the island's most spectacular aquatic scenery up close. You'll be amazed by the intricate details of the coral formations and the sheer abundance of marine species that call this garden home. The Motu Tane Coral Garden truly showcases the best of Bora Bora's underwater treasures, making it an essential stop on your snorkeling adventure in this tropical paradise.
Luxury Resort Lagoons
Tucked away within the luxurious resorts of Bora Bora, you'll find tranquil interior lagoons that offer a snorkeling experience like no other. These secluded aquatic havens, like those at the Sofitel Private Island and The Westin Bora Bora, provide calm, clear waters teeming with marine life. You'll have the opportunity to submerge yourself in vibrant coral formations and swim alongside tropical fish and stingrays in what's considered the world's most beautiful lagoon.
For snorkeling enthusiasts seeking a serene underwater sojourn, Bora Bora's high-end resort lagoons are ideal. Properties like the Hilton Bora Bora Nui and Conrad Bora Bora Nui boast private lagoons where you can immerse yourself in a scenic setting surrounded by luxury overwater bungalows.
When snorkeling in these exclusive resort lagoons, you can expect:
- Unparalleled water clarity
- Diverse and colorful marine life
- Sheltered, calm conditions
- Easy access from your accommodation
- Privacy and seclusion
These interior lagoons offer a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty, making them some of the best spots for snorkeling in Bora Bora. You'll uncover an underwater world that's both tranquil and teeming with life, all while enjoying the comforts of a world-class resort.
The Aquarium

While luxury resort lagoons offer exclusive snorkeling experiences, the "Aquarium" stands out as a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Located off the southern end of Motu Pitiaau and Motu Piti Uuuta, this stunning pastel coral garden is home to hundreds of colorful fish, making it one of Bora Bora's top snorkeling spots.
You'll need to join a lagoon excursion or book a private boat tour to access the Aquarium, as it's only reachable by water. Once there, you'll be treated to calm, clear waters that provide ideal conditions for snorkeling. The vibrant marine life and pristine coral formations create an unforgettable underwater spectacle.
If you're staying at the Sofitel Motu Private Island Resort, you're in luck. Guests enjoy unlimited access to the Aquarium, allowing you to investigate this natural wonder at your leisure. While other resorts like the St. Regis Bora Bora offer their own lagoon experiences, the Aquarium's reputation as a snorkeling paradise sets it apart. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this aquatic wonderland during your visit to Bora Bora.
Southern Coral Gardens
A snorkeler's paradise awaits at the southern tip of Bora Bora's lagoon. The Southern Coral Gardens are renowned for their stunning pastel hues and lively coral formations, making them one of the best spots for snorkeling in Bora Bora. As you glide through the clear, calm waters, you'll be surrounded by an abundance of colorful fish and diverse marine life.
When exploring this premier snorkeling site, you can expect to encounter:
- Lively and diverse coral formations
- Schools of stingrays
- Reef sharks
- Colorful tropical fish
- Stunning pastel hues of coral
The Southern Coral Gardens are a must-visit destination for any snorkeling enthusiast. You'll be amazed by the sheer beauty and diversity of the underwater world that unfolds before your eyes. Best of all, access to this incredible site is typically included in Bora Bora lagoon excursion packages, making it easy for you to experience its wonders firsthand.
Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this underwater paradise. The Southern Coral Gardens offer an unforgettable snorkeling expedition that showcases the very best of Bora Bora's marine ecosystem.
Teavanui Pass Snorkeling
For adventurous snorkelers seeking a thrilling experience, Teavanui Pass offers an unparalleled opportunity to investigate the deep ocean waters just outside Bora Bora's lagoon. Located on the southwest side of the island of Bora Bora, this open ocean site is one of the best spots for encountering marine life in their natural habitat.
As you plunge into the crystal clear, royal blue waters, you'll be amazed by the presence of graceful sharks, including reef sharks and even the occasional lemon shark. You might also spot scuba divers exploring the ocean floor below. The dramatic underwater scenery and strong currents of Teavanui Pass create an exhilarating environment that requires good swimming skills.
To access this extraordinary destination, you'll need to join a snorkeling tour, as it's otherwise inaccessible. These tours provide a safe way to experience the pass's unique ecosystem. As you traverse the deep waters, you'll create unforgettable memories of your time in Bora Bora. The combination of vibrant marine life, stunning blue hues, and the thrill of open ocean snorkeling make Teavanui Pass a must-visit location for adventurous water enthusiasts.